Atiku Urges Government to Release Former Officials Detained for Political Beliefs
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the federal government to release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other political detainees, arguing that detaining individuals for differing political ideologies undermines democratic governance. This statement follows the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission’s (ICPC) plans to arraign El-Rufai for multiple charges, including fraud and abuse of office, on March 24.
ICPC to Proceed with Charges Against El-Rufai
The ICPC announced that it would bring charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court’s Kaduna Judicial Division, citing allegations of financial misconduct that occurred during his governorship. These include claims of fraudulent dealings amounting to over 11 billion naira related to an unimplemented light rail project, along with additional accusations of twice receiving severance pay far exceeding his legal entitlement.
Additional Legal Challenges for El-Rufai
In addition to the ongoing federal case, separate charges against El-Rufai and co-defendant Amadu Sule are set to be addressed in the Kaduna State High Court. These charges revisit similar allegations, focusing on fraudulent contracts and illegal land transactions that reportedly enriched the former governor unlawfully.
Political Climate Raised by Atiku’s Visit
During a solidarity visit to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, Atiku expressed deep concerns regarding what he perceives as a deterioration of democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He labeled the situation as creeping fascism, warning that Nigeria is drifting toward authoritarian rule with troubling consequences for the region.
Abuse of State Power Alleged in Current Administration
Atiku condemned reports of politically motivated actions by the Department of State Services (DSS), which include alleged intimidation tactics. He contended that the indiscriminate deployment of governmental power aims not at upholding national security but rather at quelling dissent and suppressing opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.
Warnings of Diminished Political Freedom
According to Atiku, the Tinubu government is engaged in systematic efforts to stifle opposition, thus posing a significant threat to the democratic framework. He warned that this leads to a scenario where elections could become mere formalities if dissent continues to be criminalized.
Concerns Over Party Dominance and Ethical Governance
Atiku labeled the current political strategies as indicative of a looming one-party state, where the fear of persecution is driving politicians to conform to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He articulated the moral dilemmas embedded within such governance, asserting that no individual should monopolize the country’s political landscape for personal ambition. He urged the populace to remain vigilant against these undemocratic practices.
